At the new Hop Springs Brewery, beer is a part of life, and brewing is an art. The brewery, the brainchild of former Middle Tennessee State University student Mark Jones, has big goals. They plan to become the largest craft beer maker in the state.
“We have 20 to 30 different beers on tap, “said David Winker, the Director of Event Sales at Life is Brewing, the company that owns Hop Springs. “Our beers are easy, crushable beers under three brands: Steel Barrel, Mantra, and Humulus.”
The Steel Barrel brand is more a traditional beer with the integrity of a craft version according to Winker. Mantra is an artisan ale using unique ingredients like cassis and saffron. Humulus is somewhere in between.
Flavor choices are not the only thing that makes Life is Brewing beers unique. Middle Tennessee State University built its new fermentation lab in the back half of the building where the bar is located.
“The 83 acres of land around Hop Springs will be used for growing experimental hops and other crops,” said Winker. “The partnership will also allow MTSU to gather data about beer usage and flavor interests, as well as about other fermented products.”
Music industry management students also work with Hop Springs, allowing them to have live entertainment on Thursday through Sunday. Hop Springs also has lots of events. From their first one on December 14, 2018, to Saint Patrick’s Day with green beer and Irish food. More are in the works with lots of Southern Comfort Food from local food trucks.
“We have an outdoor amphitheater that can seat from 20 to 20,0000,” added Winker. “Between May 31 and June 1, we are going to have our first music festival to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of WMOT and Roots Radio. And from August 9 until August 11, we will be having Borostock to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock. “
Besides music, they will offer yoga classes. And the facility can be rented for birthdays, anniversaries, life celebrations, and wedding. Weddings take place in one of their outdoor venues, and the receptions usually take place inside.
Hop Springs is located out in the country, just off John Bragg Highway, on the way to Woodbury. The property has an 18-hole Discgolf course, the amphitheater, a bar, a gift shop, covered porches, a full-service recording studio, dog park, and walking trails. It is a great place for family outings.
Hop Springs Beer Park
6790 John Bragg Highway
Murfreesboro, TN 37127
Website: hopspringstn.com
Facebook:facebook.com/hopspringstn/
Cost: $2 to $12
Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 12:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.
Sunday, 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Type of Food: Southern Comfort Food Trucks
Child-Friendly
